Why Americans LOVE the Thrill of the Grill!  Turn any Outdoor Meal into a Gourmet Adventure

Food Network Chef & TV Host Jim O’Connor is best known for bringing fun and creativity to the foods we enjoy.  As a Food Network host, O’Conner has discovered the flavors of America at events such as the Hope Watermelon Festival, the National Hard Crab Derby Competition and the Chuckwagon Cookoff.

O'Connor is a Food Network original host of All-American Festivals and a show called, The Secret Life of …. O'Connor also has hosted a special called Scoop, in which five Food Network viewers create a new flavor of ice cream.   We hope you’ll book this “tasty” interview.

SWEET TREATS—Adding sweet natural honey flavors to summer favorites
I'm going to let you in on my #1 picnic secret.  It's honey.  I love it!  Honey is the perfect natural addition to all of your summer grilling recipes. Whether you're making an entrée or sides and desserts, honey will be your versatile go-to ingredient.  Today I'm cooking Sweet Spicy Salmon with Honeyed Mango Salsa.

Instead of buying a pre-made salsa from the grocery store, you can easily make one at home. Combine t honey, mango, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl.   Stir well and refrigerate.  Then, whisk together some honey, hot sauce and lime juice in a small bowl. Rinse salmon and pat dry, then brush liberally with the honey glaze mixture. Place skin side up on a well-oiled grill over medium coals; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred.  Turn and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more, basting liberally with sauce during cooking. Once removed from the grill and transfer to a serving platter, you are ready to top the salmon with your mango salsa.

Sweet Spicy Salmon with Honeyed Mango Salsa
Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided
1 Tbsp. honey
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbsp. Mexican hot sauce
4 (4 to 6-oz.) salmon fillets

To prepare the salsa, combine the mango, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey and jalapeno in a medium bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use. Whisk together the honey, hot sauce and remaining lime juice in a small bowl. Rinse salmon and pat dry; brush liberally with honey mixture. Place skin side up on a well oiled grill over medium coals; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred. Turn and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more, basting liberally with sauce during cooking. Remove from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Top with mango salsa.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10 to 15 minute

Peppered Asiago Bacon Burgers with Honeyed Arugula
Makes 6 servings

2 lbs. ground chuck
1 cup asiago cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Salt, divided
2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup honey
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
6 cups arugula leaves
6 sesame seed buns
1/4 cup mayonnaise
6 slices bacon, cooked, crisp
6 slices tomato

Combine ground chuck, asiago cheese, 1 teaspoon of the salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Form into 6 patties. Grill on closed grill until cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice and remaining salt. Add the arugula and toss to coat. Toast the buns lightly on the grill. Divide the mayonnaise between each of the six rolls, spreading on the bottom half of each. Place patties on buns, add one piece of bacon on top of each burger and top each with a slice of tomato. Evenly divide the honeyed arugula between each patty. Place bun tops on and serve.

For More Information Visit: www.honey.com

HEALTHY CHEF —Don't think about counting calories
Absolutely, grilling fish, chicken and vegetables can be a healthy alternative.  But I also like a good barbeque.   The secret here is called SENSA.   It's the perfect solution for those of us who love food!  Most diet programs are tough because they require a lot of lifestyle changes. As a chef, I'm constantly on the go, so what I love about SENSA is that you don't have to think about counting calories. It's the guiltless way to enjoy the summer and all its fun activities.

SENSA has become a leading weight-loss tool and lifestyle brand to encourage portion control and healthy living without restrictive dieting, stimulants, or pills.  It works with your sense of smell to help you feel full and satisfied faster so you eat less and lose weight.  With SENSA, you don't have to deal with intense cravings or feelings of hunger. When I'm cooking, flavor is my number one priority.  And with SENSA, it doesn't change the taste or texture of your food so you can still lose weight by enjoying all your favorite foods.

For More Information Visit: sensatipsontv.com

GRILL THRILLS — Tasty recipes from the grill
First, choose good meats with a little fat.  Avoid lean cuts, never flip your burgers or steaks more than once and use a high heat on a great grill.  For instance, I like this Kenmore Grill from Sears.   It has five burners, a side burner and a searing burner with porcelain enamel cast-iron cooking grigs.    This baby has 55,000 B-T-Us.

Look for a grill that has a searing burner for locking in juices, like this Kenmore Grill.   It also has a side burner for heating side dishing, a warming rack and electronic ignition.    And it comes in this unique porcelain color.

For More Information Visit: www.GrillingisHappiness.com